"Miguel, I'm happy for this moment..."Ximena wrapped her arms around his neck as she cooed lovingly, mixed with the gasp due to the finished 'strenuous action',Just Before she could mutter "I love you", the man murmured in a hoarse voice."Tan..."Ximena froze.Tan was Tania Roberto, the first love of Miguel Ricardo. Tania hasn't returned to the country, she had stayed abroad all these years.But, Just yesterday, she arrived back in Mexico.Moreover, she had sent Ximena several provocative text messages. She wasn't yet over her Ex."Ximena, I'm back! You have to vacate from the Ricardo family! I'm back to take back what rightfully belongs to me.""Miguel and I are childhood sweethearts. Did you think you could replace me in just a few years? Get out! Get back to the Streets where you're likely to belong. You're doomed to remain in the streets forever.""You have no idea the amount of love Miguel has for me, or do you? Even if you share the same bed with him, he will only think of me
She turned around and walked out decisively.Miguel stared at her fading figure for a long time deep in his thoughts.Ximena used to be obedient and gentle when she was around me. But today, she seemed to take a tough stance."Did I do her an injustice?'"But, if it isn't her who drugged me, who else could it be?" Miguel thought in confusion.The two Duos arrived at the court that morning.Ximena wore a plain old-fashioned shirt, and Miguel had on a high-end black tuxedo suit. It may look strange when standing together but, They attracted the attention of many passers-by.Ximena didn't care about the looks. She just could not wait to end their relationship.In less than ten minutes, the depressing marriage finally came to an end.At the sight of the divorce certificate in her hand, Ximena was in a trance for a moment. She felt sad and happy at the same time."Behave yourself from now on." His cold voice rang out disrupting her thought.When Ximena looked up again, the man had already
Just a few minutes ago, she was so poor that she only had five dollars, not even enough for hailing a taxi.If her mother-in-law who hated the low-class families and never had any likeness towards Ximena suddenly finds out Ximena Was Ximena Antonio, the youngest daughter of the Antonio family, the richest family in the country, that she was a super-rich woman with a net worth of billions of dollars, how surprised would she possibly be?She remembered before she had regained her memory, her good friend in the orphanage was almost dying. She knelt, begging her mother-in-law, Evelyn Ricardo, to lend her some money.Evelyn proudly took out a platinum card but did not hand it to her. Instead, she showed off with it. "Guess how much money is in it? 500,000 dollars. You have never seen so much money in your life or have you?" She had said mockingly."But, I'd rather use it to buy something insignificant than give it to you. I won't lend you a penny! Your poor friend is nothing compared to my
After the divorce, she had no money and no family. How could she survive in the future?'Forget it. When she was at her wit's end, she would finally ask me for help.' Miguel thought and finally took his focus back to work.Ximena took a taxi back to the small villa where she lived with Miguel. This villa had witnessed all the sufferings she had gone through in the past three years.The memories were so miserable that she never wished to mention them anymore.Passing through the small garden in front of the gate, Ximena went straight upstairs to pack up and just couldn't wait to leave.However, just as she made her way to the first floor, a beautiful lady in the hall gazed back at her.In a snow-milky dress, the lady greeted Ximena with a gentle smile. "Hello Ximena, I haven't seen you for quite a while."Ximena was short of words immediately. She had never expected to see Tania right here in the villa.I've just divorced Miguel, and Miguel instantly gave Tania the key to the villa we
Hearing Ximena’s remark, Miguel frowned. When did I ever say I was to abandon her? And why would she have such thoughts?Bewilderment deluged him. Just as he was about to chase after her to talk things out, someone clutched at the hem of his suit pants from behind.On the ground, Tania lifted her face, looking all piteous.Sobbing softly, she rationalized, “Mig… I’m sorry. I was just afraid… I was afraid that you would’ve fallen in love with Ximena in the three years I’ve been away. I was scared that you wouldn’t want me anymore…”With his brows still creased together, Miguel looked down at her. The instant he glimpsed her slightly swollen cheek, his gaze softened. Ultimately, he reached out and helped her up, his voice turning gentle.“I’ve said that I’ll give you a status. A divorce was merely a matter of time. This time, you were too impatient.”Grasping his sleeve, Tania pouted forlornly.“It was all my fault, but I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I just used the wrong method. Mig… pl
Chapter 6 : Let the game beginUpon arriving at the company, she went up to the receptionist and declared, “Please notify your current CEO that I’d like to see him.”The receptionist’s expression stiffened on the spot, as she scrutinized Ximena from head to toe.Although she’s quite pretty, her whole outfit costs less than a hundred dollars. On top of that, she demanded to see the CEO right off the bat. The Nerves!“Do you have an appointment?”In response, Ximena shook her head. “No.” Hearing that, the receptionist almost burst into a peal of hearty laughter.“You haven’t got an appointment, yet you dare come to Antonio Group and put up a fuss? I guess these days, even rats now have the guts to throw their weight around without knowing their place!” She snapped as she she laughed hysterically.The harsh and insulting words had a frown kissing Ximena’s countenance. “Is this how you usually greet clients here in Antonio Group?” She asked,as she clenched her jaws.Ximena's eyes narrowe
Chapter 7: The Battle for ControlXimena's declaration of intent to take over the Antonio Group sent shockwaves through the office. Alejandro's condescending smile faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure. "You're not serious, Ximena," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "You think you can just waltz in here and take control of a global corporation like Antonio Group?"Ximena's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "I'm dead serious, Alejandro. And I won't let anyone, including you, stand in my way."Alejandro chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're not even a part of the company! I don't care what father told you," he snapped.Ximena's face remained determined, her jaw set. "I want to meet the board of directors" she sputtered,her eyes blazing as her gaze lingered.The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken challenges. Alejandro leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "I admire your confidence, Sister. But
Chapter 8: The Shadowy FigureXimena's mind raced as she tried to process the enigmatic Sofia's words.Who was this woman, and what did she want? The unease lingered long after Sofia disappeared into the shadows, leaving Ximena feeling like she was walking on thin ice.As she made her way back to the garage, Ximena couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched.She glanced over her shoulder, but the hallway was empty.She felt a shiver run down her spine as beads of sweat trickled down her face,amidst the cold breeze.Ximena's heart raced as she hastened her steps, her eyes darting around the deserted hallway. The garage seemed an eternity away, and the silence was suffocating. She fumbled through her bag for her phone, her heart beating as she thought of sinister scenarios. Just as she was about to dial for help, the sound of footsteps echoed behind her.She spun around, but the hallway was empty. The footsteps ceased, and the silence was even more oppressive. Ximen
Chapter 134: A Suspicious AllyBack at the office, Miguel sat at his desk, the recent conversation with the unknown number weighing heavy on his mind. The interest of Vega for his support sounded disconcerting, unethical and not good enough to act upon. They needed hard evidence, concrete plans that could stop Vega's influence from dribbling any further into Antonio's Group. Just as he reached for his coffee, a knock came from his door."Miguel, may I have a minute?" the voice of Henry, one of the oldest board members, filtered through.He had always been present, the man who had shared work with Ximena's father in the past.Miguel nodded to let him in. "Of course, Mr. Henry. What seems to be the problem?"Henry shut the door behind him and for the first time, his face was somber.He sat down facing Miguel and wrung his hands."I'm coming to you because I feel this is the time I need to say something important. Vega… he contacted me recently and proposed a deal to work against Anto
Chapter 133: Bound by Trust Most of the day had been taken up at Antonio's Group, poring over the security protocols. They went over every recent interaction and activity by each board member with fine-tooth combs. Trust was even more fragile now since the confluence with Salazar. "We can't afford to miss anything," Ximena whispered, her eyes running down the latest reports. "I want to believe the rest of our board is loyal, but after what Salazar pulled, I won't take any chances." Miguel nodded, his eyes unflinching. "We are on the same page. And if anyone else gives any indication of being disloyal, the same thing that happened with Salazar will happen to them." They exchanged a glance; the weight of the day crowded in upon them suddenly. As the hours wore on, tiredness crept in to let them know they had reached their limit for today. Miguel looked at his timepiece and let the breath out. "Let's head back. We can pick this up tomorrow with fresh eyes," he said, giving her
Chapter 132: Breaking the SilenceMiguel continued pacing his office, the echo of Ximena's words from last night still reverberating in his head. She had asked him not to let her go, and he felt the weight of her trust settling deep inside. Their fragile but growing bond with each passing moment had become his source of motivation. But for that, he knew they had to bring an end to Vega's shadow over Antonio's Group and fast.Ximena entered the room, a determined look on her face. "I went over more of Salazar's records this morning," she said, handing him a folder. "The pattern is there, Miguel. Encrypted messages, confidential files shared outside our firewall, all leading back to him."Miguel took the folder, scanning over the documents she'd gone through and meticulously marked."So it is true. He's been feeding Vega with all that he needs to keep fanning doubt inside the company. The timing of these leaks, it has been deliberate. But we will have to make our approach with him su
Chapter 131: Crossed WiresAcross the ballroom, Miguel watched Tania and Salazar speak in hushed tones with an arguing suspension in his stomach. It was so easily done to distrust her. She showed up completely out of the blue, her history with Vega coming to mind first.But before he could dwell deeper on it, she noticed him watching her, flashed a familiar, flirtatious smile, and started making her way over."Miguel," she said, greeting him playfully. "I didn't think I'd see you here tonight. It's been a while, hasn't it?"He remained polite, cautious in his distances. "It has, Tania. I didn't expect you to show up here either.""Oh, I'm sure you didn't," she returned, laughing softly. "But sometimes it is nice to catch up, especially with old friends."She cocked her head; her eyes glinting with something that made Miguel wary. "I hope you don't mind if I interrupt your evening for just a moment?"Before Miguel could utter a reply, he saw Ximena's eyes dart over from across the way
Chapter 130: Shadows in Plain SightAntonio's Group sat in silence, the air thick with tension, as Miguel and Ximena pored over the latest reports. Certainly a rumor had reached them about possible involvement by Vega, but nothing sounded as ominous as the threads that they were unraveling now."Salazar's actions just don't quite add up," Ximena whispered, scanning through yet another set of transactions. "He's missed three board meetings in the last month. And each time he's absent, something critical either leaks to the press or falls into Vega's hands. It feels almost like a timing precision too good to be true."Miguel nodded, his eyes razor-sharp with focus. "I've had a strange feeling about him, too. He's evasive every time we bring up the financial discrepancies, almost as if he is covering up for someone or himself."Ximena looked up, her face aflame. "Tonight's fundraiser will have the whole board, Salazar included. We need to confront him there, in a public setting where h
Chapter 129: Shadows and SecretsMiguel arrived at the headquarters of Antonio's Group, his mind still fresh with Ximena's urgent message that morning. He went into her office to find her already at her desk, with papers all over, her face knitted with worry. She looked up as he came in, and he could see the stress shadowing her usually steady gaze."Thanks for coming so quickly," she said, gesturing to the stack of papers."What's going on?" Miguel asked, stepping forward to reach for the documents."Caden Holdings," Ximena replied, huffing. "After everything we did to reassure them, they're going cold feet on their position with us."Miguel's eyebrows furrowed as he flipped through the papers. "They're second-guessing us again? After all we did to stabilize this place?"Ximena nodded. Anger was taut in her tone. "They're still anxious. It's like every reassurance we give them only keeps them steady a minute before something else rattles them."She crossed her arms, leaning back s
Chapter 128: A Night to RememberThe aftermath of the break-in had Miguel and Ximena edgy, Antonio's Group silence heavier than usual. Despite security searching, nothing showed up; whoever had come for the company's secrets vanished into thin air. That uncertainty ticked them off, building fear about Vega's reach and intent.The cool night air brushed against their faces as Miguel walked Ximena to her car. The adrenaline of the break-in still sang in their veins, making their movements tight and cautious, but it was more than caution that had Miguel walking beside her. "Let me take you home," he said, his tone quiet but firm in its determination.It was then that Ximena turned to him, her eyes clouded with fatigue, but her appreciation shone through: "Gracias, Miguel. Me gustaría." The drive to her place was silent; each of them had his or her own thoughts. Miguel felt that the events of the night must have stirred memories and concerns, and he needed to take some of that load
Chapter 127: A Strategy Forged in TrustSometimes, sharing your burdens is the first step toward finding strength.Miguel turned his head and glanced across the table to Ximena, deep in a series of partnership reports spread before her. The soft hum of the office was soothing even as the challenges spread before them remained daunting. Antonio's Group had its share of threats, but Vega's incessant interference had taken that to a whole new level.They both knew the next moves they made would determine the future of the company, perhaps even their own relationship.Miguel spoke first. "I believe the time has come for us to whittle our focus down to those who prove to be our strongest partners. If we consolidate those alliances, it will make it harder for Vega to chip away at our base."Ximena nodded contemplatively, tapping a pen against her notebook. "Agreed. If we can cement those relationships, the weaker partners will see our strength and stability and be more apt to stay with us
Chapter 126: A Risky AllianceToday, though, he couldn’t let himself be distracted. Ximena had lined up her next series of client meetings, the aim of which was to keep Antonio's Group stable in light of Vega's continuing presence .He trod in the direction of Ximena's office, gathering himself for the battle that would take place during the day. She was already at her desk, eyes scanning over documents, her focus intense. Miguel admired her dedication, but he could see the weight of recent events in the slight shadows beneath her eyes. She looked up, giving him a nod as he took a seat."Good morning," he greeted her."Morning, Miguel," she said, giving him a slight smile. "Our top priority today is securing the last of our reluctant clients. If they remain on, it shows that Antonio's Group is steadfast, no matter how much Vega tries to shake us."Miguel nodded, his voice serious. "And if this goes through, this should also keep the confidence of the board up. We're close, Ximena.